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You Get What You Pay For
Price has a lot to do with performance. When we were looking for painters, we price shopped 5 different painting services. Some were painting companies and some were smaller operations. The one we ultimately chose was the least expensive, coming in at an estimate of about 2/3 the price of the others. We also had a recommendation to use their services from our realtor.
The painters started on a Wednesday and returned for another day of work on Thursday. Friday we were both unable to work from home, so the painter was going to bring a crew on that Saturday to finish up.
Saturday came… and went. No painter. Did not respond to phone calls or emails. We finally got in touch with him Sunday night and there was no mention of the missed day of work. He finally came in on the following Wednesday to finish the work.
In the meantime, our house was a wreck. We had all furniture pulled away from the walls in anticipation of them being painted, and everything taken off the walls and counter so they were out of the way. I don’t mind that he was unable to come on the weekend, I mind that he said he would be here, but was a no-show.
My husband is less bothered by all of this because the cost was about $800 less than any other estimate. I feel that the $1400 we paid for the painting was still a lot of money - and we deserve better treatment no matter the price.
In all fairness, the work done was excellent and I am happy with their performance. However, I would not recommend them due to their unprofessional behavior. And at the end of the day, I am just happy the painting is DONE! But it makes me wonder… is it a risk to take the lowest bidder?
November 17th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I’m quoting here, but it’s applicable: “You know we’re sitting on four million pounds of fuel, one nuclear weapon and a thing that has 270,000 moving parts built by the lowest bidder. Makes you feel good, doesn’t it?”
November 18th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Ahh that is so crappy. I would have been so mad! I hate when you’re painting and everything is a big mess around the house. I am glad that you got it taken care of!
November 18th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
regardless if you paid $500 or $5,000 you paid for a service and the people should follow through………I hate it when workmen don’t show up when they say they would……..I have complained about that on my blog as well.
Gill in Canada
November 26th, 2009 at 12:31 am
WIlliam - so, so true.
Mrs. Money - our house was such a disaster. I’m so glad it’s over.
Gill - the lack of follow through and communication was the worst part. It’s not my fault he charges differently, and I expect a certain level of service.